The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has tasked agencies under the ministry to actively deliver on its 2026/2027 operational targets.

The agencies include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and Federal Fire Service (FFS).

Others are the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services (CDCFIB) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Mr Tunji-Ojo gave the charge on Saturday in Abuja during the closing ceremony of the ministry’s three-day sectoral retreat.

The minister commended the services for their dedication, focus and tremendous contribution to the success of the retreat.

He also signed a 2026 performance bond with the service heads as proof of commitment to fulfillment of mandates after a performance review by the agencies.

He noted that to whom much was given much was expected, as President Bola Tinubu had invested his trust in them, so there was no room to betray the trust.

“You have signed a contract with me and you must try your best to ensure you keep to your side of the contract.

“To whom much is given much is expected. President Bola Tinubu has invested his trust in you so you are not to betray the trust but give him a reason to know he has made the best decision,” he said. 

The minister charged the NIS to pay more attention to border control, and the FFS emergency and rescue services.

He added that the NSCDC must ensure the protection of critical national assets to reduce economic terrorism.

He also charged the NCoS to ensure inmates were transformed, and rehabilitated to become better individuals with good living conditions.

“To you the NIMC, ensure the registration of more Nigerians.

“Let us be more energised and understand that we are creating a legacy that is not mission impossible; we must give Nigerians the country they deserve as it is not a choice but an obligation,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile speaking on the expectations for 2026/2027, the CDCFIB chairman, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, said that the board would ensure the implementation of the personnel performance management system.

“The board will ensure transparent, digital and merit based recruitment and executive appointment processes, initiate and implement quarterly citizens and stakeholders engagement and enforce discipline and ethical compliance,” he said.

The NSCDC boss, Ahmed Audi, said that some of the deliverables expected were the establishment of a central security and intelligence database and framework for interagency data sharing.

He said others were regulation and oversight of private security services, protection of critical assets and strategic infrastructure, disaster management and emergency response.

“Public safety, civil defence training and community engagement among others are also part of the deliverables,” Mr Audi stated.

The NCoS controller-general, Sylvester Nwakuche, said that some of the operational priorities of the corps were to expand and effectively manage non-custodial sentencing options to reduce congestion in correctional facilities.

He said that the NCoS would also ensure safe, secure and humane custody of all inmates while maintaining discipline and preventing escape, improving inmate rehabilitation and post-release support systems.

“We will also ensure inmates welfare, as well as the protection of their health and fundamental human rights in line with national and international standards,” he said.

The NIS comptroller-general, Nanna Nandap, assured that the service would conduct mapping and vulnerability assessment studies of Nigeria’s national borders.

She also said that the NIS would conduct capacity building programmes, develop an improved welfare programme for frontline security personnel, deploy and operationalise Enterprise Contingency System (ECMS).

She added that the NIS would ensure efficient processing and issuance of passport and visa in line with established service standards as well as strengthen border security and monitoring system.

On his part, the FFS boss, Samuel Olumode said that the Service would expand its rescue capacity through participation of the private sector.

Mr Olumode also said that the FFS would train and certify about 200 fire marshals and would work towards reducing fire outbreak through proactive inspection and development of fire safety standards. 

(NAN)